Kids taken to hospital after chemical alert

FOUR children were taken to hospital to be checked over after an alleged spillage of waste chemicals near a dental practice.

Firefighters were called to the surgery in Market Place in Whitburn, West Lothian, at around 5.20pm on Saturday, following reports of a spillage of mercury capsules.

Lothian and Borders Police said it was believed the children may have come into contact with traces of chemical residue from waste products behind the surgery.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said: "Four children and one adult were taken to St John's Hospital. Two pumps and other specialist vehicles were sent to the scene. They cleared up the spillage."

Two ambulances and four specialist vehicles were also called to the scene.

A police spokesman said the children did not require treatment in hospital and follow-up inquires are being carried out.